Sure, we might be living in a world where fads like bespoke bars and kooky mixes (chilli crab cocktail, anyone?) reign supreme, but the truth of the matter is that some things just never go out of style. Be it a gin and tonic or a Manhattan, you can never go wrong with ordering a classic drink (plus, you won’t have to worry about being judged by your peeps or that cute bartender). The next time you’re in doubt, hit up these establishments for your favourite poison.
Drink: Gin and tonic
Go to: FOC
The floral notes in the Apothecary Gin & Tonic ($16) are strong, thanks to the botanical gin blend. Featuring other elements, like cardamom, peppercorn, citrus oils, and rosewater, it just doesn’t get more organic than this. A small batch is produced every week so if you’re a fan, maybe help yourself to two instead of one…
FOC, 40 HongKong Street, Singapore 059679, p. 6100 4040.
Drink: Bloody Mary
Go to: Astor Bar, The St. Regis Singapore
Fernand Petiot’s first Bloody Mary, crafted within the confines of The St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar in 1934, made history. So, what better place to visit than Singapore’s very own St. Regis for a taste of this classic? Prices start at $22 for a glass, but for something a little different, order a round of the Chilli Padi Mary – the fiery local rendition of this well-loved vodka-and-tomato juice concoction.
Astor Bar, Lobby Level, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911, p. 6506 6859.
Margaritas at Cafe Iguana
Drink: Margarita
Go to: Cafe Iguana
On the rocks? Frozen? Have it your way here at Cafe Iguana. Choose from flavours like lime, strawberry, mango, pink guava and peach. The best bit: Prices for the house margaritas fluctuate throughout the day, it may be $14 (the priciest) from 8pm to 11pm, but it drops to $5.50 per glass from noon to 3pm and $9.50 from 11pm to closing time.
Cafe Iguana, #01-03 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road, Singapore 058282, p. 6236 1275.
Drink: Negroni
Go to: 28 HongKong Street
Michael Callahan and gang certainly know how to whip up a smooth barrel-aged classic like a Negroni ($22). Comes with a block of triple distilled ice, too. On a completely unrelated note (but still important nonetheless), the bar food here is one of the best. Try the truffle mac & cheese balls, you won’t regret it.
28 HongKong Street, 28 HongKong Street, Singapore 059667, p. 6533 2001.
Drink: Martini
Go to: Martini Bar at Mezza9, Grand Hyatt Singapore
There are over 30 martini mixes to choose from (prices range from $19 to $28), but there’s no doubt the lychee martini is one of the bar’s bestsellers. Their happy hour deal is super irresistible; you get to enjoy 50 percent off select martinis, house pours and wine Monday through Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm.
Martini Bar at mezza9, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211, p. 6732 1234.
Sangria at Salt Tapas & Bar
Drink: Sangria
Go to: Salt Tapas & Bar
Don’t miss out on chef celebrity chef Luke Mangan’s very own blend of sangria ($18 per glass, $48 per jug), which is made with brandy, Cointreau, red wine, and a slew of citrusy ingredients, ranging from lemon juice to lime and orange wedges.
Salt Tapas & Bar, #01-22A Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103, p. 6837 0995.
Drink: Whisky sour
Go to: Jekyll & Hyde
Jekyll & Hyde’s a bespoke bar (and a nail salon, too), so yes, you can order whatever you want, but give the classic (slightly smoky) whisky sour a go here because it really is worth it. Prices range from $25 to $30, depending on your choice of whisky.
Jekyll & Hyde, 49 Tras Street, Singapore 078988, p. 6222 3349.
Drink: Mint julep
Go to: Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall
Again, like Jekyll and Hyde, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall (lovin’ the name) is a bespoke cocktail specialist. If you’re not sure what to order (trust us, with the variety of choices, going the bespoke route isn’t as easy as it seems sometimes), there’s always the refreshing, bourbon-based cocktail of mint julep (from $20).
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, 60A Boat Quay, Singapore 049848, p. 6535 0838.
Mojito at Catalunya
Drink: Mojito
Go to: Catalunya
In addition to your food order of the suckling pig (a must-try), you need to wash down all that sinful goodness with a glass of mojito here at Catalunya. Choose from three flavours: red fruits, ginger, and calamansi ($20 each).
Catalunya, The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327, p. 6534 0886.
Drink: Manhattan
Go to: La Maison du Whisky
As its name suggests, La Maison du Whisky are whisky specialists and there’s no better place to pop by for your Manhattan cocktail fix ($25). Thinking of taking home some of that premium, top-notch stuff? Browse through over 100 different kinds of Scotch whiskies and purchase them by the bottle.
La Maison du Whisky, #01-10 The Pier @ Robertson Quay, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 239013, p. 6733 0059.
Top image: Cocktails at Astor Bar at The St. Regis Singapore